Modular Trailer Coupling with Segmented Holder and Interchangeable Coupling Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer couplings face challenges in securely attaching load carriers to spherical coupling elements and are costly due to the need for individually designed coupling arms for each vehicle type, which complicates manufacturing and adaptation for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular trailer coupling design featuring a holder part and a coupling part, where the holder part is secured to the base holder and the coupling part can be easily replaced to accommodate different coupling elements and load carriers, using a connecting device with positive-locking projections and receptacles for secure attachment, allowing for flexible assembly and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed coupling arm is used, then the coupling is secure and stable, but the adaptability to different vehicle types is poor and manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arm is divided into two separate parts: a holder part that attaches to the base holder on the vehicle, and a coupling part that contains the coupling element. These parts can be independently designed and manufactured, with the holder part being vehicle-specific and the coupling part being interchangeable across different vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder part is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different coupling parts. This allows the same holder part to be used across multiple vehicle types, while different coupling parts can be attached as needed for different applications (trailers, load carriers, etc.).
2Manufacturing precision
If an individual coupling arm is designed for each vehicle type, then the fit and integration are optimal, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling arm into holder part and coupling part, the design allows standardization of the holder part across multiple vehicle models. Only the coupling part needs to be customized for specific applications, significantly reducing the number of unique components that need to be manufactured with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder part is designed as a universal component that can be mounted on different vehicle types using standard mounting interfaces. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity by allowing the same holder part design to be produced in larger quantities for multiple vehicle models.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spherical coupling element is used, then the coupling is simple and versatile, but the security against rotation and reliability for load carriers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is designed to be detachably connectable to the holder part, allowing the coupling system to dynamically adapt between different coupling elements. This enables switching between spherical coupling elements for trailers and coupling parts with anti-rotation features for load carriers, optimizing performance for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer coupling for a motor vehicle includes a base holder which can be or is securely mounted on the vehicle and further includes a coupling arm at the free end of which a coupling element is arranged for coupling a trailer and which protrudes towards the rear from the motor vehicle in a position of use, wherein the coupling arm can be releasably secured to the base holder or is mounted movably between the position of use and a position of non-use in which it is moved towards the motor vehicle. In the trailer coupling, it is provided that, for connection to the base holder, the coupling arm includes a holder part which can be secured to the base holder by means of a base holder fixing device and a coupling part on which the coupling element is located.